Picture: The Nigerian Female Soccer Team players vising Banyana Banyana player, Gabriel Salgado in hospital/Twitter
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco on Wednesday, a day after the injury she suffered during the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final clash against Nigeria at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
The Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena said the winger was stretchered off late in the second half following an accident during the South African senior women’s national team’s 1-2 defeat to the Super Falcons on Tuesday (22 July 2025). Mokoena said Salgado remains in hospital, while she recuperates and will stay with the team upon release.
“She will fly back home with Banyana Banyana next week. Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca.
“She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF and the hospital. We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time,” he said.
Mokoena further said the whole Banyana Banyana team visited Salgado at the hospital on Tuesday night after she had been stabilized following the injury. He added that the messages of support continue pouring in, with Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa leading the charge.
“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’ Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria.
“I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa’s defending champions and Nigeria’s breakthrough in referee optional proved this,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champions. Ramaphosa said they wish Nigeria’s Super Falcons and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday’s dream home final for the host nation.
Joining in on the well wishes were the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Some of their players were distraught after Salgado’s injury and were openly in tears during the game.
A few Nigeria players went to the hospital to visit her on 23 July 2025, and they presented her with a signed Super Falcon jersey.
“The entire Super Falcons of Nigeria family, from players and coaches to staff were profoundly saddened to learn of the serious injury sustained by Gabriela Salgado during yesterday’s match.
Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead. We are holding Gabriela, her teammates, her family and close friends in our hearts, sending our deepest wishes for strength and resilience. Our immediate focus, and our enduring concern, is solely for her wellbeing, comfort, and recovery,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.
The Super Falcons team said the spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete. They said as fellow members of this football community, The Super Falcons NGR stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support.
“Our collective wish is for Gabriela’s steady healing, renewed strength, and a return to the pitch when she is ready, surrounded by the unwavering support of the team and community. With sincere sympathy and solidarity,” read a statement from the Super Falcons team.
Banyana Banyana has been given the day off and will return to action on Thursday to conclude preparations for the final match of the tournament. They face Ghana in the third and fourth place play-off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Kick-off is at 21h00 SA time (20h00 local time in Morocco).
The Guardian 